Micro Fuel Cell (MFC) for Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) Power

In this proposal, an integrated in situ hydrogen production and Micro Fuel Cell (MFC) for Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) Power will be developed. The system can replace conventional battery powered MAVs, with the added benefit of longer range. The system will also be capable of recharging or replenishing fuel. This system consists of four parts: (1) An in situ hydrogen generation subsystem, (2) a power generation subsystem, (3) a thermal management system, and (4) a power management system. The novelty of this research lies in the fact that the entire system is being considered from a systems engineering viewpoint with realistic constraints. Past work has typically focused on only one subsystem and the interaction between systems has been ignored. At the end of this research, a virtual prototype of an integrated in situ hydrogen production and fuel cell system that is capable of operating onboard a MAV will be developed. The virtual prototype developed in this research project will provide the key systems integration parameters necessary for building a prototype vehicle as part of a Phase II SBIR effort. The Phase I will develop a model prototype for simulation.